In 1999, the National Security Agency launched the Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education (CAE-IAE) program. Under this program, colleges could earn a CAE-IAE designation upon passing rigorous curriculum and program requirements. 

Today, the NCAE-C program includes over 300 institutions falling under the Cyber Defense, Cyber Research and Cyber Operations categories. Rowan College at Burlington County now stands among them with a Cyber Defense designation through the 2027 academic year. The NSA awards these designations to institutions that prepare cybersecurity professionals who will reduce vulnerabilities in our national infrastructure.

Notable RCBC cybersecurity graduates include Timothy Scott Koger, Jr., who secured a career with Gnostech Headquarters, a Top Secret Department of Defense facility; 2020 class valedictorian Shanni Prutchi, who secured employment as a security consultant with Bishop Fox; and Hannah Marthaler, who landed a cybersecurity analyst position with Lockheed Martin before turning 21. 

“You would not believe how many classes I’ve taken at RCBC that correspond directly to my job,” Koger said. “I find myself using my golden phrase ‘I did this in class; let me use it as a reference’ often. So, seeing this all in action only made me more driven and increased my tenacity toward learning, which has brought me to where I am today.” 

RCBC offers a robust cybersecurity program that prepares students for careers in cyber/information security, computer security, network security, information technology criminal investigation or transfer to a four-year institution. 

To learn more about the program, visit rcbc.edu/cybersecurity-center. For more information about the Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education program, click here.